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Tape drive capstan replacement

M

mark0x01

Experienced Member
Joined
Oct 31, 2015
Messages
219
Location
Kaiapoi, New Zealand
I came across a post on another forum where a new tape drive caspstan was created by 3D printing using Innoflex, a TPC flexable filament.
The Innoflex, now called Ultrafuse TPC comes in different flexabilities, but the post didn't specify which one was used.

Has anyone tried this to make rubber capstan roller replacements?
 
I've always wondered about the viability of using tubing. How do they get the diameter correct a to not cause the timing to drift?
Pure luck?
 
What drive? If a QIC, I've had great results using silicone vacuum hose. Plenty of "grippiness" Just stretch it over the shaft; use a bit of PU glue to make sure it doesn't slip. I posted a photo here a couple of years ago of an Archive QIC drive so repaired.
 
I have used gas line from Auto-Zone and it worked great, placed it on a router spindle and sanded it up to 800-grit, then latex enhanced CA glue to the spindle if a friction fit is not good enough. Also, done a lot of reel to reel repairs, there is a place in Canada IIRC ( the name escapes me ) that has some stock of every rubber part imaginable. You can even send them a part and they will figure something out. They also do belts and rollers of every description. Reel to reel parts suppliers can also be a resource.

-- Bob
 
I have a variety of drives with rollers, covering ones using QIC tapes including Mini, Travan & SLR.

I reveived a response from the forum asking what he used, and it was NinjaTek NinjaFlex 1.75mm 85A TPU Flexible Filament.
The Shore Hardness rating is likely the important part - 85A in this product, as they do vary.

From what I have found, can be tricky to print with, but I may give it a go since I already have a printer and have dabbled with creating my own designs.
 
mark0x01 said:
I came across a post on another forum where a new tape drive caspstan was created by 3D printing using Innoflex, a TPC flexable filament.
Click to expand...
I did mention it here more than once! Innoflex works great, only thing I did not get working was replacement QIC belts.
 
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